Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper have worked together on the Guardians of the Galaxy since 2014. Although they’re currently dating other people, there was a brief time when the pair dated each other. So did the exes work together before partnering on Guardians of the Galaxy?
How did Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper meet?
Saldana and Cooper met on the set of The Words, which premiered 2012. They almost immediately kicked off a smoldering romance. At the time, Saldana had just gotten out of an 11-year relationship, having called off her engagement to actor Keith Britton.
The actors began dating in late 2011. While things heated up pretty quickly, Saldana and Cooper’s relationship didn’t last long.
The couple dated for a few months before splitting up in March 2012. However, according to Hollywood Life, Saldana and Cooper rekindled their flame in September, dating for three months before separating for good before Christmas. Sources close to the A-listers claimed they both felt it would be best if they were friends.
However, in a 2014 interview with Marie Claire, Saldana revealed she isn’t one to stay friends with her exes. The Avatar actor told the publication, “There’s a reason why you’re called an ex. I crossed you off my list. Moving on.” Before Cooper and Saldana got involved romantically, they’d never worked on any projects with one another.
Saldana began acting in 1999 when she appeared in Law & Order. In the early 2000s, the actor gained smaller parts in films, including Center Stage, The Terminal, and Haven. Saldana gained more recognition after appearing in Star Trek and Avatar. Both films became international successes and cemented her name in the industry.
Bradley Cooper started acting fairly later than Saldana, with his first role being in Wet Hot American Summer. He further appeared in He’s Just Not That into You and Wedding Crashers. However, Cooper’s breakthrough came when he appeared in The Hangover trilogy, landing him more roles.
Saldana and Cooper signed on for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
Saldana and Cooper couldn’t escape running into one another in the small town of Hollywood. The exes both had a slice of the Marvel Cinematic Universe pie when they landed roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise shortly after their split.
Saldana played the alien warrior Gamora; Cooper lent his voice to the character Rocket, a genetically engineered raccoon. The pair reprised their respective roles for the sequel, released in 2017. They are expected to work together once more in the franchise’s third installment — slated for a 2023 release.
The two may not be friends, but Saldana holds Bradley’s professionalism in high regard. In 2012, the actor told The Hollywood Reporter, “Bradley is a very dedicated and open professional.” She also appreciated Cooper’s balance as an actor.
Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper’s relationship history after each other
After calling it quits with Cooper, Saldana found true love with artist Marco Perego. The pair secretly tied the knot in 2013. They welcomed twins in 2014 and a third child, born in 2017.
Cooper moved on with actor Suki Waterhouse. The two dated in 2013 but went their separate ways two years later. He then pursued a relationship with supermodel Irina Shayk from 2015 to 2019. Cooper and Shayk are co-parents to Lea de Seine Shayk Cooper, their daughter born in 2017.
The actor was also linked to his A Star Is Born co-star Lady Gaga, but both denied the rumors. Some gossip circulated about his off-screen relationship with his American Hustle co-star Jennifer Lawrence, but they quickly shut the rumors down as well.
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